Intense heatwave, followed by showers likely in Karachi

ISLAMABAD: The monsoon season, which was earlier practiced to have entered its weaker phase this month, is now gaining momentum in Pakistan once again.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday warned that there is a possible threat of intense heat wave followed by flash flooding in lower Sindh, including Karachi and eastern Balochistan.

Considering the weather conditions, the Met office has asked authorities to be on alert round the clock and take preemptive measures in order to avoid any untoward situation.

Strong monsoon currents are likely to continue penetrating southern parts of the country, while moderate currents are also expected to enter upper parts and Kashmir from Tuesday to Friday.

These currents are likely to result from isolated to very heavy rainfall along with wind and thunderstorms in lower Sindh and at scattered places like Sukkur, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Kalat, Quetta, Sibbi, Zhob and Naseerabad from Wednesday to Friday.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Rashid Bilal, a meteorologist at the PMD, said winds are expected to blow in the opposite direction in Karachi causing substantial rise in the temperature and humidity level.

“This weather condition will be life threatening for many; therefore, the authorities concerned and people have been informed well before time so that they take precautionary measures,” he said.

“Mostly the monsoon season gets active from last week of August till mid of September in Pakistan and we expect such kind of medium to heavy showers which could even generate riverine flooding,” he said.

The latest situation report released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said the monsoon season which started by the end of June this year has claimed 136 lives so far, while injuring 162 people and damaging 412 houses across Pakistan.